Pakistan Navy Day is being observed on Monday to pay homage to the heroes of the 1965 war who fought gallantly against a much bigger adversary with absolute courage and sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland.This day commemorates the daring Operation ‘SOMNATH,’ when Pakistan Navy warships executed a successful strike on critical shore installations, causing significant damage to the Indian side. 

During the 1965 war, the submarine PNSM Ghazi emerged as a formidable deterrent, symbolizing Pakistan’s operational superiority and raising the stakes for any enemy harbouring hostile intentions towards the homeland. President Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Navy would continue to guard the country’s maritime frontiers and contribute to regional peace and stability with the same spirit of service, courage and excellence that had always defined it. 

On the occasion of Navy Day being observed on Monday (September 8), the president conveyed his profound gratitude and admiration to the men and women of the Pakistan Navy who stood as the nation’s first line of defence at sea. “This day is an opportunity to recall with pride the daring feats of our naval warriors and to recognise the vital role the Navy continues to play in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime frontiers,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying. 

The president paid homage to the martyrs whose sacrifices would never be forgotten and also saluted their ghazis whose steadfastness remained a source of national pride. “Their courage strengthens the resolve of the entire nation,” he added. President Zardari said the 1965 war reminded them how, with courage and resolve, the Pakistan Navy wrote a golden chapter in history by striking far into enemy waters and disrupting their sense of security. 

Operation Somnath became a symbol of audacity and skill, inspiring generations of sailors to come, he added. Since then, he said the Pakistan Navy has steadily evolved into a modern and multi-dimensional force. “Today, its responsibilities go far beyond combat readiness—from protecting sea trade routes to participating in international peace missions and disaster relief. This versatility reflects the Navy’s professionalism and its unwavering dedication to the nation,” he added. 

During Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, the president observed the Pakistan Navy not only remained vigilant in safeguarding Pakistan’s coastline but also demonstrated its prowess in restraining and countering any hostile or aggressive posturing by the enemy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the soldiers, officers and personnel of Pakistan Navy for their determination, courage and professional performance in defending maritime borders and interests of the country. 

In a message on Navy Day on Monday, he said, “Today, on Navy Day, I pay tribute to all the soldiers, officers and personnel associated with the Pakistan Navy, whose determination, courage and professional performance of duties have always made the nation proud.” “This day we not only pay tribute to the glorious history of the Pakistan Navy and its officers but also take an opportunity to reiterate the resolve to protect the country’s maritime borders and maritime interests,” he added. 

He said, “The history of the Pakistan Navy is full of stories of bravery in which Operation Somnath in the 1965 war holds a memorable status.” “In this operation, the Pakistan Navy launched a decisive attack on the Indian coastal city of Dwarka and destroyed the communication system,” he recalled adding, “This operation was not only a demonstration of the bravery and practical capabilities of the Pakistan Navy but it also laid the foundation for the unwavering commitment to safeguard the country’s maritime integrity and sovereignty.”

 “The victory of this historic battle still fortifies the spirit of the naval forces for defending the homeland and reminds us that the security of Pakistan’s maritime borders is under the vigilant supervision of the Pakistan Navy,” he noted. He said, “Even after the 1965 war, the key role of the Pakistan Navy in maintaining the balance of power in the Arabian Sea is a testament to its professional ability and strategy.” 

“In the recent battle, the Pakistan Navy successfully demonstrated its readiness and determination in line with its bright history. The successful defence sent a clear message that Pakistan knows how to protect the security and integrity of its maritime borders at all costs,” he stressed. He said, “Apart from the war front, Pakistan Navy is also playing a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime sector.

The Pakistan Navy is playing its full role in the blue economy, construction and development of ports, and the welfare and economic aspects of the maritime community. It can be proudly said that the Pakistan Navy is the protector of the country and the architect of our bright future.” “The Navy’s role in protecting communication channels in waterways, humanitarian assistance in disasters and international joint exercises has increased the respect and prestige of Pakistan in the world.

By highlighting the benefits of the water sector and by taking institutional measures, Pakistan Navy has introduced new dimensions of development and prosperity,” he added. He said, “Today, on Navy Day, we salute the past and present heroes of the Pakistan Navy. May Allah Almighty bless the Pakistan Navy, the armed forces and our country with progress, prosperity and success. Amen! Long live Pakistan Navy! Long live Pakistan!”.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)